About the location: Figline Valdarno is a small, ancient Tuscan town about 35 kilometers southeast of Florence. Claudio Piantini, owner and chef of the famous Ristorante Torre Guelfa, has built a small B&B on his country property. Five bedroom cottages, all unique and with ensuite baths, and a beautiful large swimming pool complements the large, professional style kitchen Claudio has built to accommodate students during their culinary holiday in Tuscany.

About the cooking lessons: The lessons are led by Chef Claudio Piantini. Claudio grew up in a typical Italian home, where the quality of food and cooking was very important. At the tender age of 14, Claudio worked secretly as a waiter in a fine restaurant and this was the beginning of an illustrious career. He recognized how the pleasures of good food could unite people from all different backgrounds. Following his formal chef training, he became a professional sommelier and managed a restaurant in Florence. His dream, of course, was to have his own restaurant and returned to his home town to open Torre Guelfa Restaurant, which immediately put his rising star on the culinary horizon. In 1995 The International Kitchen was fortunate to begin a collaboration with this wonderful, passionate and charming chef, whose delight in his art is totally contagious! During your lessons, you will learn classic dishes of Tuscan cuisine, known for its refined simplicity. You will prepare classic dishes such as ribollita and crostini, along with more unusual dishes such as castagnaccio. Whether you are an advanced cook, or a eager beginner, Claudio is able to manage every level, much like a conductor with each section of the orchestra. You will come away with a vast number of recipes from the hands of a true Tuscan chef, imparting his knowledge with infinite kindness, patience and generosity. We truly love Chef Claudio!
 

Included in the Four-night Program:

• 4 nights double accommodation at In Terre di Toscana Hotel with breakfast
• Three dinners with local wine
• 3 cooking classes with lunch or dinner
• Local wine, water and coffee with all included meals

Included in the Two-night Program:

• 2 nights double accommodation In Terre di Toscana Hotel with breakfast
• Welcome dinner at Torre Guelfa with local wine
• Cooking class with lunch
• Local wine, water and coffee at lunch

2008 Tour Dates
On request year-round for a minimum of two people. Please inquire for availability.
Note that cooking classes are not available Sunday.
Unavailable January 10-February 9, 2008.